Gwynne Hogan check's out Mendoza's newest resto...
New kid on the block Maria Antonieta is open all day and making waves. Owner and chef Vanina Chimeno, ex-manager of monolith on the Mendoza gourmet scene Restaurant Francis Mallmann, has taken her expertise aquired in that location onto her own turf. Named after the infamously out-of-touch queen in France, Maria Antonieta combines elegence and of course a little decadance, although the decourm is decidly fresh and modern.
White tile lines the walls, and generous bowls of fresh fruits and veggies garnish the tables and counters. Perhaps more akin to the tastes and desires of a modern day Antoinette than an eighteenth century one, Chimeno admits to having some similarities with the historical figure, namely her passion for “cakes and sweets, anything gourment” and “nice dresses and fancy shoes!
Unlike the royal-to-the-core Antoinette, however, Chimeno is a bootstraps girl who worked for 14 years at 
Mallmann climbing her way up the ladder from waitress, to cook and then for nine years as general manager. While has once again been relegated to white scrubs and can no longer flaunt her refined wardrobe through the echoy halls of Malmann, she has returned to her true passion and is “so glad to be cooking again!” Chimena declares.
The cool and simple space is open from nine to midnight daily serving breakfast all day, lunch starting at 12:30, and dinner no earlier than 8. Throughout the day you can count on fresh squeezed fruit juices of all sorts, coffees and teas (to go if you like), and her scrumptious baked goods. The breakfast menu is an expat’s delight or perfect hangover cure, with eggs and bacon, ham, egg and cheese sandwiches, or eggs benedict. Lunch offers timeless salads like the fig, arugula and ham combo, or classic sandwiches like sliced rib-eye, salmon or prosciutto.
At dinner time a little more of Chimena’s Mallmann heritage shines through, although with a decidedly delicate and
perhaps more feminine personal flare. The delectiable salads once again begin the fanfare, with shrimp and avocado, or the peach, tomato, mozzerella, basil combination at the top of my list. Try the homeade pasta shells stuffed with spiniach, fresh ricotta and chamignons, or if your just looking to nibble, order a side dish, like the gratin potatos laced with roasted mushroom. All in all you’ll find a simple yet gourmet dining experience for any time of day.
For more information take a look at their website at www.mariaantonietaresto.com. They are located on Belgrano 1069. 420 4322
